Heap-based buffer overflow in Procmail - CVE-2017-16844
Published: November 21, 2017 / Updated: April 14, 2026
Vulnerability identifier: #VU9375
CSH Severity: High
CVSS v4.0: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber
CVE-ID: CVE-2017-16844
CWE-ID: CWE-122
Exploitation vector: Remote access
Exploit availability:
No public exploit available
Vendor: Procmail.org
Affected software:
Procmail
Procmail
Detailed vulnerability description
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.
The vulnerability exists due to boundary error in the loadbuf() function in formisc.c in formail in procmail 3.22. A remote attacker can execute arbitrary code on the target system via a specially crafted e-mail message because of a hardcoded realloc size.
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.
How to mitigate CVE-2017-16844
The procmail project is not supported any more. it is advised to replace this mailing agent with another solution.